Mildred Vada Widel

Mildred Vada Widel, 93, of Sedalia, MO, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia. She was born on March 27, 1932, in Lusk, WY, the daughter of Earl and Iva (Hamaker) Nation, who preceded her in death.

On March 26, 1953, in Crawford, NE, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond Duwayne Widel, who preceded her in death on April 25, 2019. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

Mildred grew up on the family ranch in Nebraska, where she developed a lifelong love of horses and the open plains, often riding across the bluffs near her childhood home. A woman of many talents and interests, she pursued ceramics, reflexology, insurance sales, teaching, nursing, gardening, and cooking. Yet, her greatest joy came from being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

After marrying Raymond, Mildred made her home in Blackwater, MO, where she became a cherished member of the community. For many years, she and Raymond treasured the honor of hosting the annual convention, opening their hearts and home to all. Sundays were especially meaningful to her, as she lovingly prepared a feast for family and friends after the weekly meeting in their home. Above all else, Mildred lived her life with an unwavering faith in God, which guided her every step.

She is survived by four children, Ronnie Widel of Ozark, MO, Renita Silvers of Cole Camp, MO, Randy Widel (Nancy) of Boonville, MO, and Sandy Schibi (Rick) of Sedalia, MO; a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Widel of Blackwater, MO; 17 grandchildren, Wesley Segar (Amber), Andrea Stevens (Jason), Brandi Cole (Scott), Shawn Widel (Jill), Krystal Boersma (Dan), Ryan Widel (Judy), Brent Schibi (Julie), Kathryn Hillix (Michael), Callie Sitton (Heath), Alexandra Hombs (Trevan), Phoebe Bergeson (Brad), Anna Hall (Gavin), Aron Widel (Bailey), Leah Widel (Rylee), Anthony Widel (Bella), Sophie Widel (Zach), and Josie Widel; 40 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Barbara Widel of Boonville, MO; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Bob Widel; a granddaughter, Olivia; a great-grandson, Elijah; and five brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Rea Funeral Chapel, 3510 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO, with Steve Marshall officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the chapel.

Burial will follow at Old Lamine Cemetery, 6461 Lodge Rd., Blackwater, MO 65322.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Segar, Shawn Widel, Ryan Widel, Aron Widel, Brent Schibi, Scott Cole, and Anthony Widel. Honorary bearers will be her granddaughters.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.